The PedsQL™ in pediatric asthma:: Reliability and validity of the pediatric quality of life inventory™ generic core scales and asthma module

The PedsQL(TM) is a modular instrument designed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents ages 2-18. The PedsQL(TM) 4.0 Generic Core Scales were developed to be integrated with the PedsQL(TM) Disease-Specific Modules. The PedsQL(TM) 3.0 Asthma Module was designed to measure pediatric asthma-specific HRQOL. The PedsQL(TM) was administered to 529 families. Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the PedsQL(TM) 4.0 Total Score (alpha = 0.90 child, 0.91 parent report) and Asthma Module (average alpha 0.71 child, 0.86 parent report). The PedsQL(TM) 4.0 distinguished between healthy children and children with asthma. The validity of the PedsQL(TM) Asthma Module was demonstrated through intercorrelations with a previously standardized asthma disease-specific instrument. Responsiveness was demonstrated through patient change over time as a result of clinical intervention. The results demonstrate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the PedsQL(TM) required for an outcome measure in pediatric asthma clinical trials and research.